Gracious and loving God,
Help the men and women our diocese hear the call
to serve in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Our needs are great and our people thirst for your presence.
Open the hearts of many, raise up faithful servants of the Gospel,
dedicated holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons,who will
spend themselves for your people and their needs.
Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance.
Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith.
We ask this through Christ the Lord.
Amen.
Each of us is called to do something meaningful
with the short time we are given.
Have you ever considered the possibility?
How does one become a priest?
There are several steps to becoming a priest, and all of them are very important.
Step #1: Internal Discernment
This part may involve many years. Some people think about priesthood for a long time - even from youth. Some, after discovering the call, act on it right away. Others discover this call only later in life (for some, much later). Here some of the ways that often help to bring one’s call into focus: Reflection, prayer, and listening to God.
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Being involved in one’s parish
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Going to Mass regularly
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Receiving the sacraments
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Getting involved in some type of Christian or community service
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Trying to live a good Christian moral life
The Director of Vocations directly facilitates the on-going discernment process for individuals interested in becoming candidates for priestly formation in service to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Individuals discerning Our Lord’s vocational calling formally enter into this period of discernment with the Director of Vocations and their parish priest(s) or another priest when an Application for the Admission of Students for Seminary Formation is requested.
Step #2: Application Process
May God who began the good work in us bring it to completion
Who may become a priest?
Any single Catholic male who is willing to dedicate his life to the service of God can become a diocesan priest. He is a Catholic who has a living relationship with God, exemplified with regular attendance at Mass and daily prayer. He responds to an inner call to serve God's people by making a commitment to study and further prayer.
Are most priests happy in their vocations in their lives and in their work for Christ?
Most priests are extremely happy in their vocations! The life of a priest is a very rewarding life, both in this world and in the next. The media often gives an incorrect impression of priests; that they are largely unhappy, frustrated and angry. This is simply not true.
Will I be lonely as a priest?
Loneliness is a part of every vocation at one time or another. It is part of the human condition. Married people get lonely at times, even though their spouses and children surround them. Priests are always surrounded by people. This is one of the joys of being a priest. We are involved with people at the most profound moments of their lives. Loneliness can be part of the life of a priest too, but when we do experience loneliness; Jesus can fill that void, as He does for people in every vocation.
Why can't priests get married?
Catholic priests do not get married so as to dedicate themselves completely to Jesus and to His people. The sacrifice of celibacy is a sign to the world that only Jesus can give us the happiness that we all crave. Giving up something as important as marriage and family is a powerful sign to the world that Jesus Christ is real! He is worth living for and sacrificing for. No, it is not easy, but neither is marriage. The fact is, every vocation requires great personal sacrifice. And there is great joy in sacrifice when it is done for Jesus and for others!
Do priests get paid?
Priests do not get paid in the sense that people in the business world are paid. Because a priest does not have a family and because he lives a simple life, he does not need a lot of money. However, diocesan priests receive a salary which enables them to buy their necessities, to buy and maintain a car, to take a vacation , and to do normal recreational activities. Also, priests are given free room and board by the church for which they work, so their expenses are minimal.
Can I still be a priest if I’m not very holy?
Holiness (to be like Jesus) is a lifetime endeavor for every person in every vocation. Do not worry if you do not see yourself as very holy right now. God will form you slowly, day by day and week by week, so that you will be ready to be His instrument when the time comes. But for now, use the sacrament of Penance regularly. Repent of your sins, receive the sacraments, and pray every day. You will be surprised at how Christ-like you can become!